Cell phones, computers and other IT goods, as well as components like circuit
boards, batteries and cathode-ray TV glass, face a mixed fate. Many are dumped,
some are recycled for precious metals, and some are shipped overseas.

In the Hatsune Miku campaign, some
570,000 unwanted cell phones were collected at 1,886 stores over 100 days to the
end of February, according to a government report. The successful campaign included cash
prizes, so participants weren’t merely motivated by conservation or the charms
of Hatsune.

So-called “urban mining” recycling plants can turn trash into treasure. The
government estimates the phones yielded 22 kilograms of gold, 79 kilograms of
silver, two kilograms of palladium and over five tons of copper.

But while appliances such as TVs and air conditioners are subject to disposal
laws, with recycling rates generally high, so-called e-waste -- including cell
phones, computers and other electronic waste -- is another story.

"IF YOU are tossing your mobile phones and laptops into the trash, know this: They could end up harming your health and the environment.

Said Associate Professor Ting Yen Peng of the National University of Singapore's (NUS) Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering: "These electronic devices contain a variety of hazardous substances such as lead and mercury."

Yes. In my last column I said we would not take console television sets, but our Environmental Services Department says that we can take all television sets for recycling, including console televisions. So, if you have any TV or other non-working or obsolete electronic equipment, bring it to E-Waste days Sept. 17-18 at the Community Center. "